Interaction of Tretinoin and Nimesulide with Amylose Matrices

The contemplation of amylose for the delivery of ulcerogenic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

This manuscript proposes an innovative approach to mitigate the gastrointestinal adversities linked with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) by exploiting amylose as a novel drug delivery carrier. The intrinsic attributes of V-amylose, such as its structural uniqueness, biocompatibility and biodegradability, as well as its capacity to form inclusion complexes with diverse drug molecules, are meticulously explored. Through a comprehensive physicochemical analysis of V-amylose and ulcerogenic NSAIDs, the plausibility of amylose as a protective carrier for ulcerogenic NSAIDs to gastrointestinal regions is elucidated. This review further discusses the potential therapeutic advantages of amylose-based drug delivery systems in the management of gastric ulcers. By providing controlled release kinetics and enhanced bioavailability, these systems offer promising prospects for the development of more effective ulcer therapies.

Targeted delivery of flufenamic acid by V-amylose

Aim: Controlled release of flufenamic acid by helical V-amylose to achieve enzyme-responsive, targeted release of the cargo drug. Materials & methods: Solid-state cross-polarization magic angle spinning carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (CP/MAS NMR), Fourier transform IR and x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis validated the entrapment of flufenamic acid inside the helical structure of V-amylose. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigations established the morphology of conjugates in simulated gastric environment (pH 1.2) and simulated intestine media (pH 7.2) containing hydrolyzing enzyme. Results & discussion: V-amylose–flufenamic acid complex displayed a sustained release of flufenamic acid for 12 h with a marked stability in simulated gastric pH, while showing a controlled release of drug in simulated intestine media. Conclusion: The V-amylose–flufenamic acid system achieves intestine-targeted delivery of flufenamic acid. The controlled release of flufenamic acid may ensure minimal ulcerogenicity and application as enteric coatings.

Therapeutic delivery with V-amylose

The helical structure of V-amylose offering a superior encapsulation affinity compared with the other polysaccharides, especially toward the amphiphilic or hydrophobic molecules; in addition to providing a higher resistance toward enzymatic hydrolysis support its applications as a potential drug delivery vehicle. Mainly, the glycosidic linkages and -CH₂ - groups forming the hydrophobic cavity of V-amylose helix, and the glycosyl hydroxyl groups constituting its hydrophilic periphery promote the loading of a diverse range of molecules via van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding interactions. These properties enable a high-loading efficiency, targeted delivery, and controlled release of the cargo drug molecules by V-amylose. Besides, V-amylose presents characteristics of an ideal drug delivery system, such as biocompatibility, physiological benevolence, nonimmunogenicity, and biodegradability. The V-amylose polysaccharide chains fold into left-handed single helix comprising of six glucose units in each turn having a pitch height of 7.91-8.17 Å. These structural features of V-amylose differentiate it from the parent amylose polysaccharide and enable the accommodation and nanoencapsulation of a wide range of therapeutics in the former. The tightly packed helical structure of V-amylose provides extraordinary resistance toward digestion by amylase compared with the linear polysaccharides, which supports the application of V-amylose as controlled drug release systems. The activity of the amylase enzyme produced by salivary glands, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, and gut microbiota on amylose-based drug delivery vehicles promote enzyme-sensitive controlled oral and colon-specific release of the encapsulated drug. The single helical V-amylose with hydrophobic core and hydrophilic periphery forms inclusion complexes that improve the absorption and permeation of drugs having a high clogP index. The present commentary highlights the distinguished features of V-amylose as an imminent drug delivery system.